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So of the more esteemed racing types on here may be able to answer this one, contrary to what you might think, but why if you do say a decent session (nothing too long, say an hour on the road at a good pace) with some periods of measured effort a couple of days or even the day before a race, why do you seem to get into your rhythm and pace easier on the day of the race, also taking lees time to warm up?
When I rode the day before a race, it wouldn't be "at a good pace"; it would be an easy spin in the wee ring, with two or three short sprints, with lots of recovery time in between. I wasn't looking to make a training level effort or deplete my reserves when I was carbo loading.
I don't know if there is any real science behind the idea of "loosening the legs" the day before, but it's definitely a good way of checking your bike is running correctly.
Last time I looked them up there didn't seem to be much science behind it, I used to take a clear day off before openers then racing next day.
Always felt better prepared but it could have been psychological perhaps.